Well the edge here, at least as far as chart study is concerned, is the priceless experience the trader gains over the years. And I am not talking about the classical chart patterns described in every trading book, I am talking about totally unknown (and profitable) chart patterns that you discover after watching 1000's and 1000's and 1000's of historical charts. That knowledge that comes from study and testing gives the retail trader a tremendous edge. On the other hand do you truly think fund managers spend decades studying 1000's of charts each day?
It's been only an hour, dude, since I mentioned it. https://www.elitetrader.com/et/thre...than-other-traders.350204/page-2#post-5205472 My music must be having an effect on you!
Well you could be doing both actually. But that's not even the point, if you are long only how can you profit from bear markets?
What bear market? How many times do I have to say it, with regard to the original point I responded to about an edge? The only edge is time. And time in an index future means to go long, and roll.
Let's see, the 2000 crash lasted 2269 days after the S&P500 went down nearly 50%. The 2007 crash lasted 1702 days and the drawdown was 57%. All that trouble to make about 9 or 10% a year on average (with an index fund). This is not what I call trading, because the idea is to make money regardless of market direction. But anyway, each trader has his own unique style, you are a position trader obviously (really not my cup of tea), if you are happy with these returns with their long, long drawdowns so be it. Also note that the next drawdown/crash could last 10, 15 or 20 years, who knows...? Thanks for the songs by the way.